OM603 head gasket replacement - DIY, yes or no??

[gsxr]

Hi all,

I need to do two head gasket jobs, for both of my 1987 300D's with the OM603 engine (6-cylinder, aluminum head). The dealer quoted 10 hours labor, plus parts, plus whatever else may be needed (valve job, new head, etc.) An independent was slightly cheaper but not much. I have done a head replacement on a 1.6L VW diesel, and American V8's, but never anything on an MB diesel. SO, here's a few questions, hopefully for anyone out there who has actually DONE this job, and on the OM 603 specifically, not the iron-headed OM617's:

1- Should I even be thinking about this?

2- What special tools are absolutely essential? I know the manual procedure specs several, but sometimes they can be done without.

3- Any tips or tricks to the job? Stuff I should (or shouldn't) remove to make it easier?



I have the OM603 engine manual and can pretty much follow directions, I'm just looking for advice from someone who's BT, DT. I plan to use new head bolts (they're torque-to-yield types) as a precaution, as well as replace the timing chain. I'll also need to get a machine shop to pressure-test the head while it's off to check for cracks.

Or should I just spend the $1500-$2000a and let a pro do everything?


Help!